EP1144054A2

EP1144054A2 - Illuminated ball, shuttlecock and transformable yo-yo

Info

Publication number: EP1144054A2
Application number: EP00941024A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hermanus Nicolaas Franciscus Kooke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-06-08
Filing date: 2000-06-08
Publication date: 2001-10-17
Also published as: WO2000074798A3; AU5579000A; WO2000074798A2

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the invention the means enhancing the game enjoyment can comprise means for generating light arranged in the body or connected thereto. The toy can herein take the form of for instance a rolling playing object such as a ball, or a floating playing object such as a badminton shuttle. Through use of the light-generating means the toy can also be used at dusk and as darkness falls, whereby game enjoyment is considerably enhanced. According to a second aspect of the invention the toy is formed by two rotatable bodies placed at a distance opposite each other and connected by a bridge piece functioning as rotation shaft, and a cord releasably connected to the bridge piece for causing rotation of the bodies, wherein the means enhancing game enjoyment are formed by means for adjusting the distance between the bodies. By varying the intermediate distance between the bodies the toy can thus be used selectively as yo-yo or as diabolo, wherein the enjoyment which can be derived from the game also increases.

Description

TOYS

The invention relates to toys, comprising at least one substantially rotation-symmetrical body to be set into motion by a user. Such toys have been known for a long time and form the basis of most known games and sports. Known toys of this type are balls, spinning tops, yo-yos, diabolos, shuttles and frisbees.

These known toys have the advantage of being simple and can thereby be manufactured on large scale and at low cost. In addition, the toys in the above stated embodiments can be used practically anywhere.

A drawback of known toys is that because of their simplicity they no longer appeal to users, who have become more discriminating owing to the abundance of toys. In addition, the simplicity of known toys results in limitations in respect of the options for use.

A large number of games or sports are for instance played outside. The playing season is then often limited to the period around the summer. In order to still have sufficient playing potential, such games or sports are often played until late in the evening. One example of this is a ball game such as jeu de boules, which is played mainly in the evening. A problem which occurs here is that it is frequently no longer possible to still follow the ball as darkness falls, so that the game must often be ended at a moment when weather conditions would still allow play to continue. The same problem occurs in a game such as badminton, wherein use is made of a floating playing object, known as a shuttle, which likewise cannot be seen as dusk approaches, whereby the playing time, and thereby the pleasure derived by the participants from the game, is often greatly limited. Another known toy is a yo-yo, which is formed by two disc-like bodies placed at a relatively short mutual distance and connected by a simple shaft round which is wound a cord. This toy has only a limited number of applications. In addition, it is known to form a to from two hemispherical bodies which have the flat or "equator" side remote from each other and which are arranged with a larger mutual spacing. This toy is known as a diabolo and can be moved back and forth over a cord held between the hands of a user. The cord can herein be provided on the outer ends with sticks or handles tc be held by the user. This toy also only lends itself to a small number of game types.

It is now the object of the invention to provide toys of the above described type which, while retaining the simple character thereof, offers the user more game enjoyment. This is achieved according to the invention by providing such toys with means enhancing the game enjoyment of the user. According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the means enhancing the game enjoyment comprise means for generating light arranged in the at least one body or connected thereto. Illuminating the toy itself enables play to continue at moments when the light on the playing area itself is in principle inadequate, whereby the duration of use, and thereby the game enjoyment, are increased.

The light-generating means can comprise at least one light source and control circuit connected thereto. This control circuit enables generation of light in accordance with a predetermined program, for instance only when the at least one body is in motion. When the toy comprises a plurality of bodies, each provided with light-generating means arranged therein or connected thereto, preferably a single control circuit is connected to the light sources of the different bodies, whereby a simple embodiment is obtained with a minimal number of components.

The light source can herein be a LED, which combines a great brightness with a relatively low energy consumption.

The toys preferably comprise at least one power supply connected to the light source, for instance in the form of a battery. When the light-generating means are accessible from the outside of the at least one body, it is possible for instance to replace the power supply when it is exhausted.

In a specific embodiment of the invention which is suitable for playing jeu de boules, the at least one body is an at least partially translucent ball of a relatively hard and non-deformable material. To enable access to the light-generating means the ball can herein consist of at least two parts connected releasably to each other which can be mutually fastened by means cf a screw connection or bayonet fitting. A structurally simple embodiment of the ball is obtained when at least one of the parts is translucent and contains the light-generating means. In this manner the other parts of the ball do not have to be adapted to the illuminated character thereof. The translucent part carrying the light-generating means can herein form a disc connected on both sides to a spherical segment, or it can be embodied as a cylinder received in an opening in the ball.

In another embodiment of the invention suitable for use in the game of badminton, the toy is a floating playing object comprising a plurality of bodies, at least one of which forms a member for striking and at least one of which forms a stabilization member connected to the member for striking, wherein at least the member for striking is partially translucent and the light-generating means are arranged therein. The member for striking, which will in any case usually be closed on all sides, provides sufficient space for accommodating and protecting the light-generating means. It is however also conceivable for both the member for striking and the stabilization member to be provided with light-generating means.

So as to make the light-generating means accessible herein from the outside of the floating playing object, the member for striking and the stabilization rrember car- be releasably connected to each other. In another variant of the invention the floating playing object is characterized in that the stabilization member comprises at least one spnere connected by means of an upright member to the member for striking. A playing object is thus obtained which differs greatly from the conventional form of the shuttle and which is therefore extra-attractive, particularly for young players. The upright member is preferably flexible herein, whereby surprising effects are obtained. In another embodiment of the invention the toy comprises at least two rotatable bodies placed at a distance opposite each other and connected by at least one bridge piece functioning as rotation shaft, and at least one cord releasably connected to the bridge piece for causing rotation of the bodies, and the means enhancing game enjoyment are formed by means for adjusting the distance between the bodies. By varying the distance between the bodies and optionally connecting the cord to the bridge piece the toy can thus be used in a number of ways, for instance as yc-yo cr as diabolo, thus enhancing the enjoyment of playing.

The bodies are preferably displaceable m the direction of the rotation shaft between a first end position, wherein they lie close to each other and the toy can be used as yo-yo, and a second end position wherein the bodies are further removed from each other and the toy can be used as diabolo. The bridge piece itself likewise preferably takes the form of a diabolo, whereby convenience of use and game enjoyment are improved.

According to a first possible embodiment, the toy is provided with at least two exchangeable bridge pieces of different dimensions for connecting releasably tc the bodies. The distance between the bodies can thus be varied by releasing them from the bridge piece and replacing the bridge piece with another bridge piece of a different length.

It is on the other hand possible for at least one of the bodies to be connected to the bridge piece at different positions along the rotation shaft. The distance between the bodies can thus be varied making use of only a single bridge piece.

In addition, it is conceivable for the dimensions of the bridge piece along the rotation shaft tc be adjustable. The bridge piece could for instance be embodied telescopically and be provided with means for fixing thereof in the different retracted and extended positions .

In both cases the toy is preferably provided with a flexible sleeve enclosing the bridge piece and connecting the bodies. The bridge piece hereby retains a diabolo shape on the outside, irrespective of the spacing between the bodies.

The playing pleasure can be increased still further if the means enhancing game enjoyment further comprise means for generating sound. These sound-generating means can herein be connected to the control circuit and/or the power supply of the light-generating means, whereby a simple construction with a limited number of components is obtained which can be manufactured at low cost . The invention also relates to an assembly of a number of balls of the above described type, wherein each ball is adapted to generate light in its own colour. Each player can m this way identify and follow his own ball m simple manner. At least the translucent part of each ball can herein have its own co our, although on the other hand it also possible for the light-generating means of each ball to be adapted to generate light in its own colour.

The assembly advantageously further comprises at least one target ball with a size differing from the other balls, the light-generating means of which can be switched on manually. The lighting of the target ball can thus be switched on when it is thrown at the beginning of the game and remain switched on during the game, whereafter it can be switched off again manually. In addition, such an assembly can preferably be provided with means for measuring the distance between the target ball and each of the other balls, which distance measuring means are adapted to activate the light- generating means of the ball situated closest to the target ball. The winner of a game of jeu de boules can thus be determined in simple and unambiguous manner. Finally, the invention relates to a further assembly of a toy for use as yo-yo or diabolo as described above and at least two handling members for connection to the outer ends of the cord. Sucn an assembly can be marketed as a complete set, wherein the toy with cord can be used alternately as yo-yo or diabolo and, during use as diabolo, the game enjoyment can thus be further enhanced by fastening the end of the cord to members which are simple to handle. The invention is now elucidated on the basis of a number of embodiments, wherein reference is made to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a first embodiment of the toy with enhanced game enjoyment according to the invention, m the form of an illuminated ball, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a translucent ring as used in the ball of fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a variant of the illuminated ball according to this embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4 is a partially cut-away perspective bottom view of another embodiment of the toy with enhanced game enjoyment according to the invention, in the form of an illuminated floating playing object, Fig. 5 is a partially cut-away perspective top view of a second variant of the floating playing object,

Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of a third variant thereof,

Fig. 7 is a partly cross-sectional perspective view of yet another embodiment of the toy with enhanced game enjoyment according to the invention, m the form of a yo-yo,

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding with fig. 7 of this embodiment as diabolo, Fig. 9 shows a perspective view with exploded parts of the diabolo of fig. 8,

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a diabolo according to the invention in another embodiment, m combination with a cord with handling members for use therein,

Fig. 11 is a partially broken-away perspective view of yet another embodiment of the toy as diabolo,

Fig. 12 shows a cross-section through an alternative embodiment of the toy with a length- adjustable bridge piece, and

Fig. 13 shows a cross-section through yet another embodiment, wherein the bridge piece is likewise length- adjustable .

A toy with enhanced game enjoyment according to a first embodiment of the invention is formed by a ball 1 of a hard and non-deformable material, such as a metal or a hard type of plastic, for use m a ball game such as jeu de boules which, in respect of the required weight thereof, takes a practically solid form. Ball 1 consists for this purpose of two solid sphere segments 2, 3 between which is arranged a disc-like component 4 of a translucent or even transparent material (fig. 1} . In a space 5 bounded by this disc-like component 4 is placed a carrier 6 on which means 7 are arranged for generating light.

These light-generating means 7 herein consist cf a light source 8, for instance a LED, a power supply 9 connected thereto such as a battery, and a control circuit 10 for switching on and off light source 8 in accordance with a determined program. Control circuit 10 can for instance be formed by a simple motion switch, which is therefore sensitive to movements of the ball, so that the light source will be activated when ball 1 is thrown. The control circuit can herein also have a delay function, so that ball 1 remains illuminated for some time after it has been played. In order to allow each player to distinguish his own ball or balls from those of others, each ball can emit its own specific colour of light. To this end the light-generating means 7 can be adapted to emit one particular colour of light, and use could for instance be made of LEDs in one colour only in each ball.

Conversely, the disc-like component 4 could also be embodied in its own colour, thereby likewise determining the colour light emitted by the ball.

In the shown embodiment the sphere segments 2, 3 and disc-like component 4 are releasably connected to each other, for instance by means of a bayonet fitting, whereby ball 1 can be taken apart, for instance to replace light source 8 or battery 9.

Ballast rings 12 can be further arranged in disc- like part 4 in order to compensate the weight loss as a consequence of the non-solid character of this part. In an alternative embodiment of ball 11 the light- generating means 7 are received in rod-shaped or cylindrical, translucent or transparent parts 14 which are fastened for instance by means of screw thread in bores 13 in ball 11 (fig. 3) . Ball 11 can herein otherwise take a solid form.

The disc-like or cylindrical parts 4, 14 can be manufactured from a translucent or transparent plastic such as perspex. As known, in the game of jeu de boules use is also made of a target ball which is considerably smaller than the game balls. This target ball is advantageously also provided with light-generating means so that it is also visible in the dark. These light-generating means must then of course be adapted to remain visible throughout the game and not just when the target ball is in motion. For this purpose these means could be manually switchable on and off. A switch could for instance be arranged in the target ball which is operated by squeezing the ball. Means could also be provided for measuring the distance between the target ball and each of the other balls, which distance measuring means then activate the light-generating means in that ball lying closest to the target ball. The winner of the game can then be determined with certainty.

According to another embodiment of the invention the toy is formed by a floating playing object 101, better known as a shuttlecock or shuttle, which consists of a hemispherical member for striking 102 of a resiliently flexible plastic and a stabilization member 103 releasably connected thereto (fig. 4). In the shown embodiment the stabilization member 103 takes the form of a basket with a base 104 and a widening mesh wall 105. The member for striking 102 is connected to the stabilization member by means of a snap connection 110. Up to this point the playing object 101 is of conventional construction. However, so as to be able to continue playing even as darkness falls, the member for striking 102 here takes a translucent or even transparent form and means 106 for generating light are once again arranged in the space defined by the member for striking 102 and the base 104 of stabilization member 103. These light- generating means 106 again comprise a light source 107, for instance a LED, a power supply 108, for instance a battery, connected thereto, and a control circuit 109. This control circuit 109 can also be adapted to switch the light source on and off in accordance with a determined program, but may also comprise a simple motion switch, whereby light source 107 is switched on when the playing object is set into motion, for instance is struck away. The control circuit can again have a delay function to cause light source 107 to remain illuminated for some further time, whereby playing object 101 can be easily retrieved.

Playing object 101 can otherwise be further provided with means (not shown here) for generating sound, for instance in the form of a small loudspeaker. To this end it may be necessary to provide the member for striking 102 or stabilization member 103 with perforations. The loudspeaker can be connected to control circuit 109 and power supply 108. Using simple means the discernibility of playing object 101 can thus be enhanced even further. Varied sounds can moreover be generated through a suitable programming of control circuit 109, whereby the game enjoyment can be enhanced still further.

In an alternative embodiment of the floating playing object 111 the base 114 of stabilization member 113 is manufactured, as is the member for striking 112, from a transparent or translucent material. Stabilization member 113 herein takes the form of a number of stacked and widening rings, one of which comprises a spherical and translucent inner surface, whereby light-generating means 116 are screened at the top. This embodiment of playing object 111 thus emits light on all sides.

Yet another playing object 121 according to the invention has a stabilization member 123 in the form of a closed, reversed cone with a flexible upright member 124 protruding therefrom on which is arranged a sphere 125. Light-generating means 126 comprise in this embodiment two light sources 127, one in the member for striking 122 and one in sphere 125. Both these light sources 127 are however fed by the same power supply 128 and controlled by the same control means 129.

Owing to its different appearance, this playing object 121 is already more attractive without lighting than conventional shuttles. The lighting provides special effects however, due to the flexible nature of upright member 124 which causes wild movements of the illuminated sphere 125.

Both the above discussed embodiments of the invention thus make it possible, by employing an illuminated toy, to continue playing a large number of games and sports for a longer time than would be possible with conventional toys of this type, thereby considerably enhancing game enjoyment. A rotatable toy 201 with enhanced game enjoyment according to yet another embodiment of the invention (fig. 7) consists of two disc-like bodies 202 which are connected by a bridge piece 203 which runs coaxially with the centre line of each of the bodies 202 and which functions as rotation axis. Bridge piece 203, which in the shown embodiment is cylindrical, is received with its ends in recesses 204 in each of the bodies 202. Further formed in each of the bodies 202 is a continuous bore 205 which likewise runs coaxially with the centre line and runs out into recess 204. A clamping bolt 207 is placed through both these bores 205 and a continuous bore 206 in the cylindrically embodied bridge piece 203, whereby both bodies 202 are fixed to each other. This bolt 207 has on one side a head 208 and on the other side a threaded part 209 which co-acts with a nut 210. Both head 208 and nut 210 are received m a recess 211 in the corresponding body 202.

As a result of the presence of bridge piece 203 a space 212 is formed between the two bodies 202 in which a cord 213 is arranged which is wound many times round bridge piece 203. In the shown embodiment th s intermediate space 212 has a relatively small width d, whereby toy 201 can be readily used in this form as a yo-yo.

By now loosening nut 210 of clamping bolt 207, the two bodies 202 can be taken apart (fig. 9), whereafter the relatively short cylindrical bridge piece 203 can be replaced by a somewhat longer bridge piece 203', which itself moreover already takes the form of a diabolo. If the two bodies 202 are now reassembled, a toy 201' then results with an intermediate space 212' defined by the longer bridge piece 203', the width D of which is greater than the distance d between the bodies 202 when bridge piece 203 is used. Toy 201' can thus be used as diabolo. For this purpose the user grasps the cord 123 at both ends and rolls the diabolo 201' back and forth thereover.

Owing to the possibility of using the toy selectively as yo-yo 201 or as diabolo 201' with a few minor adjustments, the game enjoyment for the user is thus once again enhanced, while the simple nature of the toy is retained.

In order to increase convenience of use, handling members 214 can further be present in the form of handles or sticks (fig. 10) , which can for instance be fastened to the ends of cord 213 by means of a rapid- action coupling. The toy is thus formed in that case by an assembly or set which consists of a variant of the toy, one or more additional bridge pieces 203, 203', cord 213 and optionally two handling members 214.

The form of the bodies 202 can be varied within quite wide limits. In addition to the truncated-cone shape (fig. 7-9), more spherical (fig. 10) or, on the contrary, straighter (fig. 11) shapes are thus also possible which provide slightly more space for accommodating therein, if desired, means for generating light and/or sound. The addition of light and/or sound effects makes the toy 201 even more attractive to young users .

Instead of a number of bridge pieces 203, 203' of differing dimensions, use can also be made of a single bridge piece, the length of which is adjustable. In an alternative variant of this embodiment of the toy 221 (fig. 12), this bridge piece 223 can be formed by a tubular part 224 which is connected to one of the bodies 222 and which can be pushed round a rod-like part 226 connected to the other body 222. In the side wall 225 of tubular part 224 can then be formed an opening 227 which can be placed in register with one of a series of apertures 228 in rod-like part 226, whereafter a locking pin 229 can be screwed into the openings to fix the two bodies 22 at a determined mutual distance. In yet another variant of this embodiment of the toy 231 (fig. 13), the bridge piece 233 is formed by two tubular parts 234, 236 telescopically slidable into each other, the inner of which bears a nut 240 fixed thereto. In the body 232 bearing the outer telescopic part 234 is herein arranged a bore 235 and a recess 241 in which is received a bolt 237 with a head 238 and a threaded part 239. Through inward or outward turning of bolt 237 the active length of bridge piece 233, and therefore the distance between bodies 232, is then varied. In order to prevent the bodies herein beginning to rotate relative to each other, the telescopic parts 234, 236 are further provided with a co-acting rib 242 and groove 243. In this embodiment a sleeve 244 of a flexible material is further arranged round bridge piece 233, the central portion 245 of which sleeve fits closely round bridge piece 233, while the end portions 246 are stretched tightly against both bodies 232. The outer periphery of bridge piece 233 thus displays a diabolo shape under all circumstances. When bridge piece 233 is retracted or extended, the end portions 246 also slide along over the bodies 232, wherein the shape is retained. A similar sleeve can likewise be applied in the embodiment of the toy 231 as shown in fig. 12.

The invention is not limited to the given embodiments, but is defined solely by the appended claims .

Claims

1. Toy, comprising at least one substantially rotation-symmetrical body to be set into motion by a user, characterized by means for enhancing the game enjoyment of the user.

2. Toy as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the means enhancing the game enjoyment comprise means for generating light arranged in the at least one body or connected thereto.

3. Toy as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the light-generating means comprise at least one light source and a control circuit connected thereto.

4. Toy as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the control circuit is adapted to activate the light- generating means when the at least one body is in motion.

5. Toy as claimed in claims 3 and 4, characterized by a plurality of bodies, each provided with light- generating means arranged therein or connected thereto, wherein a single control circuit is connected to the light sources of the bodies.

6. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 3-5, characterized in that the light source is a LED.

7. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 3-6, characterized by at least one power supply connected to the light source.

8. Toy as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the power supply is a battery.

9. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 2-8, characterized in that the light-generating means are .accessible from the outside of the at least one body.

10. Toy as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the at least one body is an at least partially translucent ball of a relatively hard and non-deformable material.

11. Toy as claimed in claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the ball consists of at least two parts connected releasably to each other.

12. Toy as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the parts are mutually fastened by means of a screw connection or bayonet fitting.

13. Toy as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one of the parts is translucent and contains the light-generating means.

14. Toy as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the translucent part carrying the light-generating means forms a disc and is connected on both sides to a sphere segment.

15. Toy as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the translucent part carrying the light-generating means forms a cylinder and is received in an opening in the ball.

16. Toy as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the toy is a floating playing object and comprises a plurality of bodies, at least one of which forms a member for striking and at least one of which forms a stabilization member connected tc the member for striking, wherein at least the member for striking is partially translucent and the light- generating means are arranged therein.

17. Toy as claimed in claims 9 and 16, characterized in that the member for striking and the stabilization member are releasably connected to each other.

18. Toy, particularly as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the stabilization member comprises at least one sphere connected by means of an upright member to the member for striking.

19. Toy as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the upright member is flexible.

20. Toy as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized by at least two rotatable bodies placed at a distance opposite each other and connected by at least one bridge piece functioning as rotation shaft, and at least one cord releasably connected to the bridge piece for causing rotation of the bodies, wherein the means enhancing game enjoyment comprise means for adjusting the distance between the bodies.

21. Toy as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the bodies are displaceable in the direction of the rotation shaft between a first end position lying close to each other and a second end position further removed from each other.

22. Toy as claimed in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the bridge piece takes the form of a diabolo.

23. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 20-22, characterized by at least two exchangeable bridge pieces of different dimensions for connecting releasably to the bodies .

24. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 20-23, characterized in that at least one of the bodies can be connected to the bridge piece at different positions along the rotation shaft.

25. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 20-23, characterized in that the dimensions of the bridge piece along the rotation shaft are adjustable.

26. Toy as claimed in claim 24 or 25, characterized by a flexible sleeve enclosing the bridge piece and mutually connecting the bodies.

27. Toy as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the means enhancing game enjoyment comprise means for generating sound.

28. Toy as claimed in any of the claims 3-8 and 27, characterized in that the sound-generating means are connected to the control circuit and/or the power supply.

29. Assembly of a number of balls as claimed in any of the claims 10-15, wherein the light-generating means of each ball are adapted to generate light m its own colour.

30. Assembly as claimed in claim 29, characterized by at least one target ball with a size differing from the other balls, the light-generating means of which can be switched on manually.

31. Assembly as claimed in claim 30, characterized by means for measuring the distance between the target ball and each of the other balls, which distance measuring means are adapted to activate the light- generating means of the ball situated closest to the target ball.

32. Assembly of a toy as claimed in any of the claims 20-26 and at least two handling members for connection to the ends of the cord.